In almost every aspect, CPUs and FPGAs are radically different devices. And yet, they often compete for some of the same embedded system tasks. Choosing the best approach depends not only on the capabilities of each device, but also on the often disparate expertise of engineers promoting their respective development methodologies.

Table 1. Embedded System Factors for CPUs and FPGAs

To make matters even more complicated, SoC (system-on-chip) technology now combines CPUs and FPGAs within the same device. Here, efficient interoperability becomes essential to meet stringent realtime performance levels. This article presents these challenges along with some strategies for developing successful solutions.

Pentek's GateXpress® PCIe Configuration Manager supports dynamic FPGA reconfiguration though software commands as part of the runtime application. This provides an efficient way to quickly reload the FPGA.

Software functions to support all of a Pentek board's built-in functions are already written and ready to use in the ReadyFlow® software that Pentek provides with its products.

Pentek's FMC carriers offer an optional VITA 66.4 optical interface.

Pentek guarantees the analog and digital performance of Pentek products. We design our carriers and PCBs to deliver the highest possible analog performance.

Pentek's FlexorSets are tested, shipped, and supported as an assembled unit from one company (Pentek), with Pentek's quality support on the whole board set.

The maximum sample rate of the A/D converter is listed in the main description of every Talon analog signal recorder. For example, the Model 2746 200 MS/s RF/IF Rugged Rackmount Recorder provides A/Ds with a maximum sample rate of 200 MHz. This sample rate dictates the maximum bandwidth signal that this recorder can accurately sample and record.

In the case of a 200 MHz A/D, we know that the maximum signal bandwidth that can be captured is 0.8 x fs/2, assuming a usersupplied 80% anti-aliasing filter. This means that this A/D can capture signals that are 80 MHz wide. A 3.6 GHz A/D product can capture signals that are 1440 MHz wide, assuming the same 80% filter.

For more information about selecting a recorder based on form factor, see the Talon FAQ "What is the difference between the RTV, RTS, RTR and RTX recorders?"